The Best Pruners Reviews & Buyers Guide of January 2023

1. Fiskar PowerGear 2 Pruner

The Fiskars PowerGear 2 Pruner is a must-have tool because it is sharp enough to cut even the most delicate stems and durable enough to handle branches up to 3/8 inch thick. Use them for a variety of activities, like removing stray branches and picking a fresh bouquet for the table.

We adore the blades' smooth functioning. A redesigned gear-and-cam system enables effortless branch cutting without the need for significant hand pressure. In addition, the bypass-style, hardened steel blades have a low-friction coating that allows sap to slide off, so decreasing gumming and offering rust resistance.

The rotating, curved handles are intended to decrease hand fatigue. The handles are comfortable and should match the form and natural motion of most hands. Additionally, the cutting action makes the pruners easy to use for anyone with smaller hands or less hand strength. However, left-handed individuals cannot utilize this function since the handles only spin in one direction.

We like that after cleaning the blades prior to use, you may lock them so that they remain clean. This product is supported by a lifetime warranty from Fiskars.

Pros

• Hands-free operation

• Suitable for tiny hands

• Locking blades for storing

• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• Not built for left-handers

2. FELCO 2 One-Hand Pruning Shear

Due to their endurance and diversity of styles, Swiss-made Felco pruners are typically the preferred choice of horticulturists, despite their higher price point compared to other manufacturers. 

This anvil type is favored due to its ease of use and thin shape, which facilitates access to hard-to-reach regions. The rubber-cushioned, shock-absorbing coating on the forged-aluminum-alloy handles makes them suitable for small to medium-sized hands.

A sap groove forged into the blades of hardened steel is intended to prevent sap from accumulating and causing the blades to stick during operation. When you're ready to store the blades, you may lock them to keep them clean. (However, we have found that the mechanism might first appear stiff.) All Felco F2 pruner parts are replaceable and covered by a lifetime limited guarantee.

Pros

• Accessibility in difficult-to-reach locations

• Fits the majority of hands comfortably

• Anti-adhesive coating

Cons

• Inflexible locking mechanism

3. ARS HP-VS8Z Signature Heavy Duty Pruner

ARS is a well-known manufacturer of gardening equipment, and their heavy-duty pruner lives up to their reputation for strength and sharpness. The clippers are easy to lock and unlock with one hand, are comfortable to use even for those with tiny hands, and are effective on green and woody stems up to 1 inch in diameter.

The chrome-plated blades guard against corrosion and sap and are offset to increase hand strength. Replacement blades are available, and the ARS website contains detailed instructions for replacing blades on all of their models.

The Japanese producer states that the only legitimate version of this device, which is protected by a 25-year limited guarantee on the whole product, comes in English packaging with red handles. Any item with blue handles is not an authentic ARS pruner.

Pros

• Suitable for smaller hand sizes

• Solitary-handed surgery

• Chrome-plated for resistance to sap

• 25-year restricted guarantee

Cons

• Locking might be challenging

4. gonicc 8" Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears

If a long day of gardening leaves your hands sore from repetitive motions, the gonicc bypass pruners may alleviate the pain. The padded grips and effortless opening motion of these gardening tools make even the most tedious gardening jobs easy to do. The frame is constructed from lightweight metal, and the handles are padded with PVC foam for a comfortable and nonslip grip.

The easy-to-use action has no negative influence on their efficacy. These bypass pruners have titanium blades that are very sharp and can cut branches up to 3/4 inches in diameter. The scissor-like action is fluid and results in a precise cut. 

As with many other tools we recommend, this one features a sap groove on the anvil blade, which is intended to drain sap. This can assist prevent the sticking of pruning shears.

Pros

• Effortless slicing motion

• Sharp titanium blades

• Lifetime assurance

Cons

• After extensive use, springs might break

5. Corona BP 4214D FlexDIAL ComfortGEL Bypass Pruner

The Corona Flex Dial Bypass Pruning Shears are ideal if you have gardeners with varying hand sizes that share equipment. The tool's adjustable grip enables for a customized fit for hands ranging in breadth from 3.25 inches to over 8 inches. A dial situated between the blades may be turned with the thumb to select one of eight settings. The grip is gel-coated for comfort and slide resistance.

In addition to adjusting the grip size, the dial modifies the cutting strength of the coated, non-stick blades. Lower settings are good for making tiny, rapid cuts to young plant development. 

Cutting through huge, woody branches is more effective at higher settings. The carbon steel blades enable one-handed cutting of a range of plants. These include slender and flexible vines, branches of citrus trees, and woody branches.

Inadvertently, the locking mechanism, which is meant to prevent the blades from becoming clogged during storage, might activate after every cut. In addition, the blades have a tendency to rust prematurely.

Pros

• Eight grip settings

• Different cut settings

• Utilize on many plant types.

Cons

• Lock can be activated after every cut

6. Sun Joe Cordless Rechargeable Power Pruner

For effortless light pruning, the Sun Joe Cordless Rechargeable Pruner removes branches up to 1/2 inch thick with clean, accurate cuts; we recommend 1/4 inch as a width for least effort. 

Although less powerful than manual pruners, this cordless device is ideal for folks with weak hands. Additionally, we like that the lightweight (less than 3 pounds) tool's cordless feature allows for maximum access without the need to worry about electrical wire tangles and snags.

The ergonomic grip features a trigger for cutting, and the maker says that a half-inch branch may be chopped in half a second. A safety switch prevents unintended cutting. Dual LED lights assist locate the stem that has to be removed, which provides an added benefit.

The manufacturer says the battery can last up to 750 cuts when completely charged, but we feel 350 is a more credible estimate.

Pros

• Lack of a cable enables portability

• Less than 3 pounds in weight

• Dual lighting for enhanced visibility

Cons

• Unrealistic promised battery life

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Type

Knowing how to operate the three types of pruners—anvil, bypass, and ratchet—makes it simple to select the appropriate tool for the job.

Anvil pruners have a single, sharpened blade that removes branches by crushing them when it strikes a slot in the stationary base. They are most effective for dead branches, but might damage fragile, green stems.

Bypass pruners have two sharpened blades for cutting. They are ideal for green stems and branches because they create clean cuts that avoid the spread of illness.

Similar to anvil pruners, ratchet pruners contain a mechanism that allows you to apply less force to the handles while cutting thicker branches. As you squeeze the handles approximately halfway, the ratchet mechanism engages, allowing you to squeeze the handles again to complete the cut. Larger dead branches on woody bushes are most easily removed using ratchet pruners.

Size

However, you should also consider the size of your hands and the amount of weight you can easily carry when determining the size of pruners to purchase. Some pruners are designed with smaller hands in mind. They are available in a range of materials, with some being heavier than others.

Simplicity of Use

Pruning may be a difficult task, but the appropriate pruners can make it simpler. From goods with ergonomic grips to handles designed for comfort, a variety of elements influence the use of the products. Some are designed particularly for those with hands impaired by arthritis, age, or other conditions.

Ergonomic Design

Foam, gel, and easy-grip grips can reduce hand fatigue. Choose an appropriate grip for the size of your hands.

Security Measures

The best pruners have blade-closing locking mechanisms. While this safety function is vital, it might be annoying if it activates while you're using the pruners. To prevent inadvertent engagement, use a pruner whose lock is located near the blades rather than the grip.

Blade Material

The best blades are resistant to rust and corrosion and are coated to assist sap move out and prevent sticking. Stainless steel blades do not rust, but they are difficult to sharpen and susceptible to breaking or bending when used on strong branches. Carbon-steel blades are sturdy and durable and may be sharpened, but unless coated, they are susceptible to rust. Look for titanium-coated carbon-steel blades (they are gold in color) that give strength and corrosion resistance.

Spring Mechanism

After each cut, the spring mechanism of pruners drives the blades apart. Look for a heavy-duty spring that is firmly fastened and can survive years of use.

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How do you tell when it's time to trim your plants?

Pruning is performed for aesthetic purposes and to prevent unwanted plant growth, but it also promotes the growth of fruit and flowers. When a plant has unhealthy branches, it cannot provide sufficient nutrients for healthy development. Pruning diseased, dying, or dead branches with clean, precise cuts enables the plant to direct nutrients to the most beneficial areas.

Different plants require pruning at various periods. Since trimming fruit trees and berry plants during fruit production might be detrimental, winter dormancy is the optimal time to prune these plants. For trees and shrubs that bloom in the spring, wait until their old blooms have gone, often in late April, and before new buds appear. It may be necessary to continually trim other plants to maintain their vitality.

Are all pruner blades replaceable?

As with all blades, pruner blades get dull with usage. Every 6 to 8 weeks, professional gardeners polish their pruners. Blades should be sharpened once or twice annually by amateur gardeners. 

A diamond file is optimal for sharpening blades. 3 However, since this is a complicated process, you may wish to choose a model with replaceable blades. Many manufacturers offer replacement blades on their own websites, in physical locations, and on the Internet. 

Prior to making a purchase, check to see whether these are available. And if you anticipate performing a substantial amount of pruning, you may choose to acquire additional blades along with your pruner.

What additional pruner components are replaceable?

In addition to blades and anvils, you may also change pruner springs, ferrules, and pulleys. In general, pricier devices have more replacement components than less expensive ones. You may purchase new components from either the manufacturer or third-party retailers. Consult the manual for your product to see which components may be changed and for replacement procedures.

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We hope you found our research on the best pruners to be informative and engaging. We understand that our evaluation is just illustrative of some of the market's leading products.

Our intention is to provide you with a general summary of each product. We advise you to perform your own research in order to reach a well-informed judgment regarding the best option for you.

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